- 17:30Morocco's Consumer Price Index Stabilizes as Core Inflation Climbs
- 17:15Bridging Economies: Quebec and Morocco Forge New Paths for Collaboration
- 17:00France-Morocco Relations Set to Deepen: Macron's Strategic State Visit Announced for Late October
- 16:40Dunedin Airport Implements Three-Minute Hug Limit to Enhance Traffic Flow
- 16:20Estonia Endorses Morocco's Autonomy Plan as Credible Solution for Sahara Region
- 16:00Bridging Cultures: A Celebration of Andalusian Heritage in Madrid
- 15:30Morocco Firmly Rejects UN Envoy's Partition Proposal for Sahara
- 15:24Star Power: How Celebrities Shape Voter Choices in the 2024 Presidential Election
- 14:45UN Envoy Signals Potential Shift in Sahara Mediation Efforts
Follow us on Facebook
Advancing Africa's Agrifood Landscape: FAO Chief Applauds Morocco's Leading Role
In a robust affirmation of Morocco's agricultural advancements, Qu Dongyu, the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), lauded the North African nation as a trailblazer in regional efforts toward food security and agrifood system transformation. This commendation transpired during Qu Dongyu's official visit to Rabat, where he engaged with Aziz Akhannouch, Morocco's Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Waters and Forests.
The 33rd FAO Regional Conference for Africa provided an opportune platform to evaluate the continent's agricultural landscape and plot a trajectory towards a future where food security transcends aspiration to become a palpable reality. As the world grapples with the reverberations of the COVID-19 pandemic and braces for potential global crises capable of disrupting supply chains and jeopardizing sectors, the imperative of fostering resilient and sustainable agrifood systems has reached unprecedented heights.
Echoing the visionary leadership of King Mohammed VI, Akhannouch underscored Morocco's steadfast dedication to rural development and the agricultural sector. He accentuated the kingdom's strategic emphasis on integrated development, value addition, agricultural restructuring, productivity enhancement, and human capital cultivation — foundational elements that have propelled Morocco to the vanguard of regional agricultural excellence.
Qu Dongyu's unequivocal endorsement of Morocco's achievements reverberated throughout the conference's commencement. He extolled the nation's strides in modernization and diversification, citing advancements in irrigation technologies, greenhouse farming, aquaculture, and the burgeoning production of fruits and vegetables for both domestic consumption and international trade.
However, Qu Dongyu's admiration extended beyond Morocco's accomplishments; he acknowledged the "extraordinary" potential of Africa's youth as a catalyst for transformative change. He argued that unlocking this potential necessitates strategic partnerships, increased investment, and the prudent deployment of digital technologies to augment efficiency and productivity across the continent's agricultural sectors.
Qu Dongyu emphasized, "It is through the transformation of Africa's agri-food systems that we can unlock benefits in food security and nutrition, economic equality, environmental sustainability, and resilience," underscoring the multifaceted impact of revitalizing the agricultural landscape.
In turn, Akhannouch highlighted Morocco's extensive experience in water management, particularly the kingdom's ambitious dam policy spearheaded by King Mohammed VI. He unveiled plans for a $14 billion investment over the next 5-6 years, targeting drinking water and agriculture, encompassing desalination projects and leveraging both conventional and non-conventional water resources.
As the conference reached its conclusion, the two officials affirmed their commitment to fortifying the strategic partnership between Morocco and the FAO, which currently oversees a $22 million portfolio in the country, concentrating on permaculture, rural development, and emergency interventions.
In a region where food insecurity remains a persistent challenge, Morocco's pioneering role in agrifood system transformation stands as a beacon of hope, inspiring other nations to embrace innovation, sustainability, and strategic collaboration in the pursuit of a food-secure future for all Africans.